What is the job?
As this is an entry level role, we are looking for someone who has the drive to learn and develop with a willingness to support both the Purchasing and Planning teams to ensure efficient material flow and on time warehouse replenishment. This role will manage purchase of production consumables, assist with supplier evaluation, onboarding, and performance management, and schedule warehouse replenishment of manufactured goods.
Part of this role will enable you to develop and complete training/apprenticeship (training will be selected for the right candidate and subject to the business needs at the time of progress reviews) to continuously learn about the business and how to utilize your skills and improve processes.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 – 16:30 (based on site at our head office)
What is essential to us…
· GCSE Math and English minimum level 4 (Grade C+)
· Prior experience in supply chain role is preferred but not essential
· Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
· Detail oriented and works in a structured and organised manner
· Logical approach to problem solving
· Effective communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
· A positive approach to continuous improvement activities
· A flexible approach to work requests – prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done
· Able to work collaboratively with Stores, Production, Inspection, and Packing teams to ensure uninterrupted flow of goods to meet requested delivery dates
Who we are?
Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.
Where you will be working?
Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station. This role is full time onsite.
Requirements
What we would like you to do/ to see…
Purchasing:
· Raise purchase orders for production consumables
· Support Purchasers and Supplier Quality Engineers with strategic activities related to supplier evaluation, onboarding, and performance management
· Review and manage open orders to ensure on time delivery
· Run reports on supplier KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, sustainability) and present them in regular Purchasing meetings
· Support the team in identifying root causes of invoice variances and investigating queries
· Support inventory management and analysis
Production Flow Support:
· Support Planning team with warehouse replenishment of manufactured goods by matching MRP demand with works orders based on stock available and manufacturing capacity
· Analyse KPI reports (late orders, open works orders, zero stock) with the aim of identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
· Participate in continuous improvement activities that map the flow of material from vendor through production to warehouse replenishment
What will you get?
At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.
And the benefits are?
£24,667.50 per year, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.
Job Reference: THOR-VC-1070
This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.
*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (
This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.
We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.
Benefits
-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.
Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail recruitment@thorlabs.com.
In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.